The BRAT Diet for Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea

What to Drink and Eat After Vomiting and/or Diarrhea

Begin taking a few sips of water or oral rehydrating solution (ORS). ORS has the advantage of a proper balance of sugar and salt. Examples of brands are Pedialyte and Rehydralyte or mix your own:

1 quart water (4 cups)

1 tsp salt

½ cup orange juice

4 tsp sugar

½ tsp baking soda

After a few sips of water or ORS, wait 30 minutes. If no vomiting or diarrhea, increase the amount taken every 30 minutes. Continue for about 1 to 3 hours, then advance to clear liquids.

Clear Liquids

Sports drinks – the sugar content is higher than optimal for this purpose, so it is better to dilute by mixing 1 part drink and 2 parts water or ½ drink and ½ water.

Clear broth or bouillon

Jell-O

Kool-Aid – decreased the sugar

Tea – weak and decaffeinated is best

Soft drinks – regular, decaffeinated and flat is best

Continue clear liquids until they are well tolerated, then advance to the Brat Diet. Eat small amounts several times a day. Returning to a nutritionally balanced diet as soon as possible promotes recovery.